A new Church...??

What a day.. A few emails rec'd which caused a heavy heart, followed by lots of delays and even a puncture out in a very remote place.

We drove 3 hours to get to a small town where we were asked to preach and although only a few there, we had confirmation that God was working through His word.

We then drove to a Christian run school that we saw for the first time last year. Fifty kids more .....what a welcome. The older ones gave us a 'hearty welcome' as they say here! Garlands , flowers and songs ... See below

Lots of children were either dressed up or holding verses of scripture waiting patiently to show us. We felt like royalty.
This school has really started to develop, with a new building going up, as a result of loans following our visit last year. The school has very limited facilities, and yet it' the only Christian witness for this whole area.

After an enthusiasticc children's talk and a brief cultural performance we had lunch..... Around 3.30pm!

By the time we finished lunch parents had arrived to meet us and hear the gospel. Despite many distractions ..or so I thought, these parents sat before us listening to the words being translated.

When it became very clear what I was preaching some started to get up and leave quietly...not an encouraging site. We started with approx. 60 men and women, and a few left here and there.

At the end I felt prompted to give an 'altar call' and passed the baton to an IVCM pastor, to explain things.
Where as I had thought maybe one or two would come forward....having asked the Lord for specific ones in silent prayer; over 40 people , inc. a few teaching staff members ! ! ..gave their hearts to the Lord... Thank you Jesus!!

We were overwhelmed at the response. A very small rather frail lady came forward first. She quickly clutched my hands looking intently in my face and with tears running down her face was trying to thank me I think....this was 'Kingdom business' taking place. Very soon the others followed including the volunteers I had asked to help with my talk.

What a privilege to lead so many to Christ. THANK YOU for praying into this. This is simply amazing as this town without any church at all suddenly is 40 strong! No building as yet but we can of course use the school. Please pray for these new lives, and for those who heard and turned away.

This is all so worthwhile and God's favour seems to be upon this nation in the sense of the Gospel bearing fruit. It is of course a very tender time ... And we know of recent attacks of persecution.....so what lies ahead?

One last youth meeting ahead of us please pray into that too...